The 2018 Best Private K-12 Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents.

Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly.

The American education system offers a rich field of choices for international students.

There is such an array of schools, programs and locations that the choices may overwhelm students, even those from the U.S. As you begin your school search, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the American education system. Understanding the system will help you narrow your choices and develop your education plan.

The Educational Structure

Primary and Secondary school

Prior to higher education, American students attend primary and secondary school for a combined total of 12 years. These years are referred to as the first through twelfth grades.

Around age six, U.S. children begin primary school, which is most commonly called “elementary school.” They attend five or six years and then go onto secondary school.

Secondary school consists of two programs: the first is “middle school” or “junior high school” and the second program is “high school.” A diploma or certificate is awarded upon graduation from high school. After graduating high school (12th grade), U.S. students may go on to college or university. College or university study is known as “higher education.”

Prep Education Consulting helps you navigate through the PK-12 American educational system. Finding the best private or public school for your family.

The American Educational System is composed of public and private schools. Which one is better for your child?

Most schools in the United States are traditional schools, with standards defined by each state. Education is free and schools rely on federal, state, and local public money.

Public schoolsshould follow the state’s standards regarding the content and form of assessment of children, furthermore, each has its advantage, and its methodology.

Many parents choose to send their child to the public school in their neighborhood, these schools are required to accept all children living in the enclosed area. Many have excellent reviews and end up facilitating the logistics of your day-to-day, since it is in your neighborhood. It’s calledNeighborhood Schools.

Magnet Schoolsare public schools that also have private resources such as charters. These schools are obliged to accept all children living in the designated area. Students outside the area may also apply.

Another type of US schools are theCharter Schools– they are independent public schools that operate with public and private resources. They need to follow Florida’s basic education standards, but they are free to innovate, whether in methodology, content, or by adding new programs. Each charter school has its different admission process.

If you travel a lot or have a child who is heavily involved in a sport program you can also opt for this type of school – theVirtual School– which offers more freedom of time. Florida has 2 types of programs for pre-eighteen grade students and supplemental program for students in grades 6.

Private schoolsoffer a variety of options both in teaching methodology and philosophy. Many come from strong traditions, others are alternatives with methods like Montessori, Reggio Emilio or Waldorf. The options are many, and several factors must be considered.

That’s why you need PREP to help you out in this confusing but fascinating world of educating a child in the USA.